Shelby County Today

09/14/2022

Thomas Warren Smith, 66, of Center, Texas, passed away on September 13, 2022, in Center, Texas surrounded by loved ones. He was born on September 25, 1955, in Center, Texas, to the late Warren Christopher Smith and Allie Pearl (Anders) Smith.  

Graveside service will be held at McClelland Cemetery, Center, on Friday, September 16, 2022, at 1pm. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 11am until service time at McClelland Church, 733 County Road 2571, Center, Texas.

Thomas was born and raised in Shelby County. He attended Shelbyville High School. Thomas loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Together many memories were made through the years. He was an avid welder, sheet metal fabricator, amongst many other trades. He enjoyed being outdoors whether he was hunting and fishing or just visiting with friends and family when time permitted. He enjoyed collecting guns and was captivated with all the different types.  

Thomas is survived by: 
His wife, Rose Bennett

Son, James Warren Smith and wife Kimberly Chantel

Stepsons: 
Richard Curtis Tony
Logan Dean Sandifer

Grandchildren: 
Triston Smith
Karista Smith
Rilynn Smith
Lilly Gay
Maddalyn Gay
Gage Tony
Isabel Sandifer
Violet Sandifer
Honey Sandifer

A host of family and friends that will miss him dearly

He is preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Allie Smith; half-sisters, Dorthy Mae (Smith) Holt, Margie Nell (Smith) Boyett, Wanda Nell (Walker) Flanagan; and half-brother, Baron Ann Walker.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.

Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

09/11/2022

Rickey Earl Gilchrist, 64, of Center, passed away Friday, September 9, 2022, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, September 12, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Brandon Jones and Gordon Winslow Jr. officiating. Interment will be at Old Salem Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born December 4, 1957, Rickey is the son of Mauddie Ann "Doodle" Gilchrist and C.B. "Buddy" Gilchrist. Rickey was a highly skilled machinist where he specialized in forklift and heavy machinery operations. His hobbies included restoring antique cars, attending and entering classic car shows where he won numerous awards with his blue 1955 Chevy Belair. Rickey was a well known mechanic, he enjoyed passing on his skills and knowledge to his son and grandsons. Rickey was a member of Center First United Pentecostal Church.

He is survived by:
His wife, Teresa Gilchrist

Kids: 
Randall and Kara Gilchrist of Center
Wesley and Brittany Gilchrist of Center
Brandi Gilchrist of Center
Brittany Gilchrist of Center

Grandkids: 
Colton
Caden
Blaine
Britlee
Mason
Christian
Kylee
Kyndell

Brother, David Gilchrist and wife Angie

Cousin, Dickie Gilchrist and wife Eldora

Numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by his parents, Mauddie Anne "Doodle" Gilchrist and C.B. "Buddy" Gilchrist; Baby Gilchrist; and grandparents, Seymore and Lillie Gilchrist.

Pallbearers will be Alan Hooper, Bubba Hooper, Ronnie Gregg, Blake Harkness, Shane Ray, Lonnie Whitton, Kase Hooper, and Cheyenne Moore. Honorary pallbearers will be Dickie Gilchrist, Boo Klein, Wesley Warr, and Dakota Womack.

The family invites everyone in wearing shades of blue to the visitation or funeral to honor Rickey’s favorite color.

Online condolences and tributes may be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com

09/06/2022

Vaudrine McDaniel, 86, of Tenaha, passed away Sunday, September 4, 2022, in Nacogdoches.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 9, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation at 10:00 a.m.  Bro. Bill Holmes will officiate and Order of Eastern Star Funeral ceremony will be conducted by Center Chapter #348.  Interment will follow at Ramah Cemetery in Tenaha.

Vaudrine was a 60 year endowed member of Tenaha Order of East Star #185, which was consolidated with Center Chapter #348. She served as Tenaha Order of Eastern Star Secretary for 26 years and was a past Worthy Matron. Vaudrine was also a member of First Baptist Church of Tenaha, where she was involved with the Ladies 3 Sunday school class.

Born April 20, 1936, Vaudrine is the daughter of Ida Mae Davis Ruddell and James Vernon Ruddell.

She is survived by:
Her daughters: 
Linda Hodge of High Island
Sharon Gray of Martinsville

Granddaughter, Brittany Risch of Martinsville

Great-grandson, Percy Chapman of Martinsville

Preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy McDaniel; parents, Ida Mae Davis Ruddell and James Vernon Ruddell; brothers, Frank E. Ruddell, William Durwood Ruddell, and Johnny Franklin Ruddell; and sister, Verna Mae Ruddell Douthit.

Pallbearers will be Craig Haltom, Keith Martin, Preston Gillin, Ronnie Fleming, Mark Odom, and Tommy McMahon.  Honorary pallbearers will be Royce Perry, Ron Barker, John Harrington, Jerry Agnew, and Al Howard.

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com

09/01/2022

Jerry Glen Green, 78, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on August 29, 2022, in Timpson, Texas. He was born on August 24, 1944, in Houston, Texas, to the late John Perry and Juanita (Rhodes) Green. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Saturday, September 3, 2022, at Tennessee Presbyterian Church, Timpson, Texas, officiated by Steve Ramsey.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, September 2, 2022, at Taylor Funeral Home.

Jerry was a devoted husband to his loving wife, Virginia. He loved her with every ounce of his being until she was called home. Jerry was an amazing father to his four sons. They considered him their best friend and the best father ever. Jerry worked as a construction superintendent for 32 years before retiring. He was a dedicated work and never shied away from physical labor. Jerry loved spending any time he could with his family. He was the epitome of the family man. Jerry absolutely adored horses and spending many hours ranching. He rode in the Old Spanish Trail Ride and had many friends in that circuit. Jerry will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Jerry is survived by:
His sons: 
Shane Green and wife, Ashley
Cade Green and wife, Dee Dee
Cole Green and wife, Tiffany
Rowdy Green

Sisters: 
Tempie Pike
Jeanie Rhodes and husband, JT

Brother, Mike Green and wife, Barbara

Grandchildren: 
Ashton Green Brazier and husband, Kale
Autumn Green Ballard and husband, Dylan
Gavin Green
Cooper Green
Logan Wright

Great-grandchildren: 
Kamden Brazier
Caroline Brazier

Special friend, Barbara Cook

He is preceded in death by his parents, John Perry and Juanita Green; and his wife, Virginia Roberts Green.

Serving as pallbearers will be Shane Green, Cade Green, Cole Green, Rowdy Green, Gavin Green and Cooper Green.

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net.

08/31/2022

Linda Kay (Tyer) Nix, 78, of Timpson, Texas passed away on Monday, August 29, 2022.  She was born June 1, 1944 in Shreveport, Louisiana to the late Leonard Dean and Gwenieth Louise (Wedgeworth) Tyer.  Funeral services will be held 2:00pm on Friday, September 2, 2022 at First Baptist Church, Timpson, Texas officiated by Bro. Dee Daniels.  Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Timpson, Texas.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00pm on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at Taylor Funeral Home.

Kay grew up in Timpson, Texas.  She met Jerry Bob Nix while still in high school and they were married shortly after her graduation.  Kay went on to get a Bachelor’s degree in education from SFA.  She worked as a teacher for a short time while they lived in Waco.  Kay sold lumber in Dallas for her parent’s sawmill, “Tyer Lumber Co.” while they resided there.  She and Jerry eventually moved back to Timpson to take over the family business in the late 70s. She loved working at Nix Forest Industries and just recently stopped coming to the office due to poor health.  During her many years at work, she enjoyed talking to the log truck drivers and visiting with her employees.  In her spare time, Kay liked to travel with her best friend, Lo Gibson.  They took many trips and went all over the world. Kay also enjoyed shopping, searching for antique treasures with her mother, and her weekly trips to the beauty shop to catch up with her hairdresser and friend, Debbie Tompkins.  She was always put together and dressed to a T in her high heels.  She had a love of dogs and had many in her lifetime, but none as special as her little “Yum Yum”. Kay kept to her roots often supporting local businesses and generously donating to her church, Timpson Volunteer Fire Department, and Timpson Ambulance Service.  Kay was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Timpson.  Grandmother Kay loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly and they were all very special to her.  Kay will be greatly missed by all who knew her. 

The family would like to give special thanks to Shanita Rhodes and her staff for giving Kay such attentive care during her final days.

Kay is survived by:

Sons, Milt Nix and wife, Terrie
Jim Nix and wife, Karen

Grandchildren
Marcus Nix and wife Ashley Nix
Macy Nix
Harper Nix
Ellery Nix
Tatum Nix
Leah Kate Nix

Great-grandchildren
Sawyer Nix
Annabel Nix
Dawson Nix.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Gwenieth Tyer; Jerry Bob Nix, and special friend, Lo Gibson.

Serving as pallbearers will be Bruce Samford, Robbie Strahan, Billy K. Lemons, Trent Nix, Terry Washington, and Will Lloyd.  Honorary pallbearers are O.L. Richardson, Henry Canada, Paul Mullins, David G. Billingsley, Paul Smith, Gene Bush, William M. Edwards, and Larry Solomon.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to First Baptist Church, Timpson, Timpson Volunteer Fire Department, or Timpson Ambulance Service.

08/27/2022

Robert (Bob) Walter Peddy, 69 of Tyler, passed away on August 26, 2022 in Tyler. He was born April 27, 1953 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Julian Lee Peddy and Faye Twomey Peddy.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Green Acres Baptist Church with Dr. David O. Dykes and Rev. Russell Kilpatrick officiating. 

Visitation will follow in the Galilee Room. Interment will be at 3:30 at Ramah Cemetery in Tenaha under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home.

Burial and graveside service is at 3:30pm on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at Ramah Cemetery in Tenaha, Texas.

Bob was a member of Green Acres Baptist Church. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin University. He held the position of Partner with Gollob, Morgan, Peddy and Company.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his loving family including:

Wife, Sharon

Daughters:
Kelli Trent
Amanda Weaver

Sons-in-law:
Jason Trent
Jared Weaver

Grandchildren: Isabella, Jude, Emma, Gus and Hattie.

Pallbearers will be David Hubbard, Wes Kilpatrick, Don Kirkland, Donnie Martin, Justin Martin, Will Shaw and Lynn Warner. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Adams, Kevin Cashion, Gary Fisher, John Harris, Don Hood, Phil Hurley, Richard Lottman, Tom Moore, Tony Morgan, Ernie Psencik and Steve Smith.

If desired, memorials may be made to the Missions Fund at Green Acres Baptist Church (www.gabc.org) 1607 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75701.

Services are under the direction of Stewart Funeral Home, Tyler, Texas.

08/26/2022

Creola "Lil Bit" Nobles, 87, passed from this life August 22, 2022 at her residence in Milam, Texas. She was born on February 8, 1935 to the late Mary Thomas Haskins and Jessie Haskins. At a young age she became of Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church until her untimely death.

A celebration of life will be held at 11am on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at Buckley Cemetery, Carter's Ferry Road W., Milam, Texas 75959 with Rev. Scottie Suell officiating.

At the age of 18 she married Jimmy Nobles and upon their union they had five children.

She was proceeded in death by her husband Jimmy Nobles; eldest son, Jimmy Shirl Nobles; as well as six siblings, four brothers and two sisters.

She leaves to cherish her:

Children:
Shirley Williams of Milam
Edna Carol Nobles of Milam
Dorothy Williams of Nacogdoches
Jerry Nobles of Dallas

Grandchildren:
Kera Bledsoe of Nacogdoches
Lanceshetta "Coco" Hutchinson (Amalio)
Keandrea "Kandi" Williams
Darneshia "Nicki"
Demondrick "DJ" Williams

Great-Grandchildren:
A'Miria Ross
Ke'jaylin Ross

Sister, Magnolia "Big Sis" Rosenburgh of Dallas

Special Nephews:
Phillip "Wayne" Nobles
Linnie Haskin

Special Nieces:
Ruth Henson
Michell Dupree

A host of nieces and nephews

Special grandson, James Ross

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

08/24/2022

Mervil Ray Crawford, 86, of Center, passed away Monday, August 22, 2022, in Nacogdoches.

Graveside service will be held at 12:30 p.m., Friday, August 26, 2022, at White Rock Cemetery in Center with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Born May 29, 1936, Mervil is the son of Lois and Lynn Crawford. He is a United States Army Veteran.

Survivors include:

Wife, Leither Crawford

Children:
Raymond Crawford
James Thomas Crawford and wife Pamela

Grandchildren:
James Crawford Jr.
Kevin Crawford
Coleman Crawford
Lonnie Whitton
Marissa Crawford

Many great-grands

Brothers:
Jerry Crawford
Ben Crawford

Sister, Dorothy Blakenship

Preceded in death by his parents, Lois and Lynn Crawford; daughter, Pamela Crawford; brothers, Bill Crawford, Joe Crawford, and Larry Eugene Crawford; and sisters, Barbara Sue Crawford and Audrey Faye Crawford.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com

08/22/2022

Pamila Strong, 66, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2022.

Visitation will be held from 12pm to 2pm, Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2pm, Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Joe Walker officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park.

Pamila Strong was born October 23, 1955 in Carthage, Texas to John Henry Meyers and Jimmie Conway. She was a member of Center First United Methodist Church. Pamila retired from Horseshoe Casino where she worked as a gaming auditor for 25 years.

She is survived by:
Her daughter, Chelle Mooney and husband Bob Jr. of Center

Grandsons:
Bo Mooney, and fiancé, Hailey of Center
Luke Mooney of Center

Mother, Jimmie Lovell of Logansport, LA.

Sister, Angie Burton, and husband, Donnie of Logansport, LA.

Brother, Ted Lovell, and wife, Karen of Gardener of Hot Springs, AR.

Numerous neices, nephews and a host of friends.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at The Carpenter House of Shreveport.

She is preceded in death by her father's John Henry Meyers and Tony Lovell.

Pallbearers will be Bo Mooney, Luke Mooney, Chant Clark, Dustin Burton, Bob Mooney Jr., and Donnie Burton. Honorary pallbearers will be: Jimmy Strong, Kenneth Hardy, and Bob Mooney Sr.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com